Eunice Mary Ball

April 23, 1919 - September 6, 2020

Eunice Mary Ball left her earthly home to be in the presence of her Lord and Savior on September 7, 2020. Mom was born to Matthew Nealey and Sadie (Baker) Nealey in Chesaw, WA. on April 23, 1919, the youngest of two older siblings. Her education started in Plaza,WA and she graduated from Rosalia,WA. class of ’37. Then Mom graduated with a degree in education from Eastern Washington College of Education in Cheney,WA. > Her student teaching training involved catching a bus in Spokane and riding to Incheium daily. It was during these long rides she met and started dating a music student, Robert Ball, who she later married on June 18,1943. Before their marriage mom spent two years teaching home economics in the Pullman school district. > In 1955 when the family moved to Soap Lake. Mom, who had been a stay at home mom, started teaching again. Her mother, Grandma Sadie, came to live with the family to help out with child care. Mom was hired to be the new high school Home Economics and girls PE teacher along with Dad being hired as the band teacher. This was only after Madeline McNamara convinced the school board to take a risk on hiring them after a previous bad experience with a husband and wife in the same school building. Mom finally retired in 1978 after 23 years of teaching at Soap Lake High School. > In addition to academics at Soap Lake High School, she also believed in students being involved in service and social activities. She was the adviser for the ASB officers. She also started the high school Pep Club and girls drill team. She also added support to our Dad and his high school band activities. Mom also was active in the Faith Lutheran church in Soap Lake before its closure. > Retirement allowed her time to travel and become more involved with her grandchildren and socialize with past colleagues. She was also active in keeping up with her past student’s lives and communicating with them especially during the Christmas holidays when she would receive and respond to hundreds of Christmas cards and letters. The last ten years have been a challenge for her due to limiting communication with others because of dementia, loss of sight and hearing. But she always maintained a positive attitude and was a joy to be around. Mom's 100th birthday celebration was a memorable time for all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to celebrate the life of such a special person. > Mom is survived by her sons, Michael (Cathie) and Robbin (Robin) and daughter Pam McDonald, 10 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Robert Ball, parents, sister and brother, grand daughter Desiree McDonald, and daughter in-law Lilli Ball and son-in-law Tim McDonald. Rest in Peace Mom, Love Michael, Robbin and Pam > At this time no formal service or memorial is planned due to COVID restrictions.